Correlation between vision- and health-related quality of life scores.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the correlation between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores [assessed using the generic Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire] and vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) scores [assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ25)].


METHODS
Cross-sectional analytic study. All surviving participants of the Blue Mountains Eye Study (n = 1952, aged 60 years and older) were invited to attend comprehensive eye examinations 10 years after baseline examinations and were asked to complete both questionnaires.


RESULTS
Complete data were available for 1436 participants. After controlling for age, sex and the presence of either unilateral or bilateral visual impairment, the number of hospital admissions, chronic medical conditions and disabilities, we found that the composite NEI-VFQ score was significantly associated with the two main domains of the SF-36 survey: the summary physical component score (P < 0.001) and the mental component score (P < 0.001). There was relatively low correlation (r < 0.3) between the NEI-VFQ25 subscales and SF-36 subscales including the physical and mental composite scores.


CONCLUSIONS
VRQOL is influenced by both general health and HRQOL. However, there is a relatively low correlation between the individual subscales of these two quality of life questionnaires.
Swamy
Brighu N
BN
Centre for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Australia.
Chia
Ee-Munn
EM
Wang
Jie Jin
JJ
Rochtchina
Elena
E
Mitchell
Paul
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D014785:Vision, Ocular